Glory be to Jesus Christ!

Some of the most amazing books that I have read (and reread…) are CS Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, an adventure about four children who stumble upon a magical world fighting for freedom against the forces of darkness. Although currently in the clutches of the White Witch who makes it always winter and never Christmas, good news reaches the children when secret agents of Aslan, the true King of Wood, intercept them and usher them to his camp. Confused by this Susan asks Aslan’s agents, who happen to be talking beavers, if Aslan is a man. Mr. Beaver’s response is a deeply profound one:

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh” said Susan. “I’d thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion”…”Safe?” said Mr Beaver …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

In our world of amazing control of nature through technological advances and personal autonomy through rights, we have a very difficult time admitting and accepting something or Someone who is bigger than us. We cannot tame Christ. God is God and we are His people. He is not my pawn, support network or comfort system. He is the true King and I am reminded by that every time I pray St. Ephraim’s prayer: “Oh Lord and Master of my life…”

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Realizing that God is God and you are not is the beginning of reverence. As we feel the pinch of the our fasting let us pray to the Lord to increase in us this holy fear and make us truly wise.

Glory be to Jesus Christ!